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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

12 China-made helicopters delivered to Cambodia

Twelve Chinese-built Zhi-9 (Z-9) utility helicopters, which Cambodia had
purchased from China, were delivered to the Royal Cambodian Air Force
on Monday.

The handover ceremony was held at the capital's
Military Airbase between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense
Minister Tea Banh and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo.

Tea
Banh said the helicopter delivery was a new historic achievement in
addition to numerous supports the Chinese government has given to
Cambodia.

"The helicopters will be used to serve training in
order to strengthen capacity for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in
defending territorial integrity and in cracking down on offenses in
remote areas," he said. "They will also be used for humanitarian
activities such as disasters."

Tea Banh also highly spoke of
excellent relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China under the
leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese leadership.

"The
friendship relations between Cambodia and China have moved closer,
reaching the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation in
2010," he said. "The bilateral excellent ties will bring mutual benefits
to the two countries and peoples."

Bu Jianguo said that the Z-9 choppers are capable of carrying people and materials in case of any emergency rescues.

"China
believes that the helicopters will enhance capacity for the Royal
Cambodian Armed Forces in emergency operations in case of any
disasters," she said.

Soeung Samnang, commander of the Royal
Cambodian Air Force, said the Z-9 helicopters were purchased from the
China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).

"They
are medium-sized carriers," he said. "They will help increase
efficiency and capacity for the air forces in their national defense
duties," he added.

China lent Cambodia $195 million in August, 2011 to buy those choppers.